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This is the final post in our three-part series on legal industry cyber attacks and the strategies in which firms can enhance their cyber security posture. In part one, we explored why law firms are prime targets. In part two, we examined the dual role of AI, as both a weapon and a defence.
Below we explore how legal practices can move beyond reactive measures. We explore practical, long-term strategies that can be used to strengthen cyber resilience.
1. Prioritise Continuous Risk Assessment.
Continuous risk assessment is no longer a best practice, it’s a necessity.
Cyber criminals frequently exploit overlooked vulnerabilities such as outdated systems, unmonitored user access, and insecure data flows. To reduce exposure, UK law firms must adopt a proactive approach to cyber risk management. An approach that continuously evolves alongside their threat landscape.
An effective assessment should cover the full scope of a firm’s digital footprint. This includes internal infrastructure and third-party services such as outsourced IT providers, legal technology platforms, and case management systems.
For law firms engaged in high-risk work such as litigation, M&A, or public sector contracts, the stakes are even higher. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) also recommends firms carry out regular cyber risk reviews tailored to their size, structure, and threat profile. These assessments should inform investment in appropriate technical controls, incident response planning, and staff awareness.
Firms looking to take a structured approach may benefit from aligning with the NCSC’s Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) or the international ISO/IEC 27005 risk management standard. Both offer step-by-step guidance for identifying, evaluating, and treating information security risks within a legal environment.
Risk assessments should also reflect your firm’s client base and risk appetite. A firm handling high-stakes litigation or public sector work may face different threat profiles than one focused on private client services, especially as legal industry cyber attacks continue to grow in scale and complexity.
2. Strengthen Endpoint and Network Protection.
Professionals in the legal sector routinely access highly sensitive case files, client information, and communication platforms from a growing array of endpoints, corporate laptops, personal devices, and mobile phones. This proliferation of devices increases the attack surface, making robust endpoint and network protection a cornerstone of cyber resilience for UK law firms.
Managed Detection and Response (MDR).
Unlike traditional security tools that rely heavily on in-house resources to monitor, detect, and respond to threats, Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services offer a more scalable and expert-driven approach. MDR combines advanced threat detection technologies with 24/7 monitoring by a team of cyber security specialists, giving law firms access to round-the-clock protection without needing an in-house SOC.
MDR services collect and analyse telemetry from endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and identity systems to identify suspicious behaviours. By leveraging both artificial intelligence and human-led investigation, MDR ensures faster threat detection, accurate alert triage, and efficient incident containment. This is especially critical for legal firms, where timely responses can significantly reduce the risk of sensitive data exposure and reputational damage.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM).
To complement MDR, many legal organisations are also implementing Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms. SIEM aggregates and analyses logs from across the IT infrastructure, enabling firms to detect abnormal activity, understand historical threat patterns, and generate real-time alerts.
SIEM plays a pivotal role in demonstrating compliance with legal sector regulations such as GDPR and the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s expectations around data protection. It provides an auditable trail of security events and supports stronger governance frameworks, which are essential for maintaining trust and regulatory alignment.
Integrated, Proactive Defence.
When paired together, MDR and SIEM offer a comprehensive and layered security approach. MDR delivers 24/7 threat detection and expert-led incident response, while SIEM offers visibility and insight across the IT estate. This integrated model empowers law firms to stay ahead of evolving threats, reduce the risk of lateral movement, and minimise the business impact of cyber attacks.
For legal practices, this isn’t just about protecting systems, it’s about preserving digital trust. Firms that invest in managed, proactive defence capabilities send a powerful message to clients and regulators alike: we are committed to safeguarding the integrity of our services and the confidentiality of client data.
3. Enforce Secure Use of Legal Tech and Collaboration Tools.
As UK law firms increasingly rely on digital tools, ranging from e-discovery platforms to client collaboration portals, it is vital to ensure these technologies are implemented securely. While these tools support more efficient practice management, casework, and communication, they can also introduce significant cyber risks if not properly configured or monitored.
Apply Strong Access Controls and Encryption.
Access to sensitive information must be governed by strict role-based permissions. Ensuring that only authorised individuals can access specific files or systems minimises the risk of internal breaches. All data, whether stored or in transit, should be encrypted to recognised industry standards. This protects client confidentiality even in the event of network interception or device loss.
Regularly Audit Usage and Monitor Activity.
Ongoing monitoring and logging of user activity are essential to maintaining control over how systems are being used. Regular audits should be conducted to identify potential misuse or unauthorised access. These logs not only support real-time threat detection but also provide an evidential trail should an incident occur.
Align with Regulatory Requirements.
Legal practices must ensure that all technology deployments adhere to applicable data protection and privacy legislation, particularly the UK GDPR and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This includes completing Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) when onboarding new systems and ensuring third-party data processors meet compliance standards.
Educate Legal Professionals on Secure Practices.
Technology is only as secure as its users. Continuous training is key to reducing risk. Legal professionals should understand how to use systems safely, spot phishing attempts, and follow internal protocols for handling sensitive data. Promoting cyber awareness across the firm helps reduce the likelihood of human error leading to security breaches.
Manage Third-Party Risk Diligently.
Many legal software platforms are provided by external vendors. Firms must undertake thorough due diligence before integrating any third-party tools into their environment. This should include evaluating a vendor’s cyber security credentials, data handling procedures, and incident response commitments. Clear contractual obligations for data protection are also essential.
By applying these practices, law firms can unlock the full potential of digital innovation while maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and compliance standards that underpin client trust.
4. Tackle Phishing and Build a Culture of Cyber Readiness.
Phishing remains the single most common entry point for legal industry cyber attacks. As threat actors become more sophisticated, often using AI to personalise lures and mimic trusted sources, the need for a comprehensive approach to phishing defence has never been greater. But defending against phishing isn’t just about deploying smarter filters. It requires fostering a proactive security culture that permeates every layer of the firm.
Strengthening the Technical Layer.
Modern email security tools now provide a crucial first line of defence. Capabilities such as real-time URL scanning, malware sandboxing, spoof detection, and domain impersonation monitoring help to stop malicious messages before they reach users. These controls are essential for filtering out the majority of phishing emails, reducing risk at scale and buying time for further response measures.
For law firms, the stakes are particularly high. Client correspondence, legal instructions, and financial transactions are often conducted over email. One well-crafted message impersonating a client or partner could result in unauthorised fund transfers, data leaks, or exposure of case-sensitive information. Ensuring that your email infrastructure is hardened, and regularly tested, is no longer optional.
Reinforcing the Human Layer.
However, technical controls alone won’t catch everything. Cybercriminals know that people are often the weakest link—and they’re adapting their attacks accordingly. That’s why law firms are investing in user-centric training platforms that go beyond outdated, one-size-fits-all awareness campaigns.
Platforms use AI to tailor simulated phishing emails to each employee’s behaviour, role, and responses. These real-time, gamified exercises build awareness over time, improving not just recognition of phishing emails, but also how staff react to them.
Embedding Cyber Awareness into Culture.
Beyond tools and training, law firms must embrace a culture where cyber security is seen as a shared responsibility, not just the remit of IT or compliance teams. This means integrating cyber awareness into day-to-day operations, legal project management, and client service protocols. It also involves promoting psychological safety, so staff feel confident reporting mistakes, suspected breaches, or unusual behaviour, without fear of blame.
Embedding this mindset requires support from leadership. When partners and practice leaders advocate for security, participate in drills, and model good behaviours, the rest of the firm follows. That’s how cyber resilience becomes cultural, not just procedural.
5. Create and Test a Robust Incident Response Plan.
Legal industry cyber attacks are a realistic scenarios that every firm must be prepared for. Whether the breach is caused by ransomware, data exfiltration, or a third-party compromise, how your firm responds in the critical first hours can make the difference between swift containment and a full-blown crisis.
An incident response plan isn’t just a compliance box to tick, it’s an operational necessity. And in the legal industry, where the stakes include client trust, confidentiality, regulatory obligations, and potential litigation, preparation must go beyond IT protocols. It must be a firm-wide priority.
What an Effective Plan Should Include?
A strong incident response (IR) plan outlines clear, actionable steps to follow when an incident is detected. Key components include:
- Containment and Eradication Procedures: Define how the firm will isolate affected systems, preserve forensic evidence, and remove the threat without disrupting ongoing legal work unnecessarily.
- Investigation and Attribution: Assign responsibilities for conducting internal investigations, collecting logs, and liaising with forensic partners. Understand how the attack occurred and whether it involved insider access or third-party vectors.
- Legal and Regulatory Reporting: UK firms must adhere to strict timelines when reporting data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under the UK GDPR. Your IR plan should clarify how and when these disclosures must be made, and by whom.
- Client and Stakeholder Communication: Communication is key. Decide in advance how affected clients will be notified, what information will be shared, and how reputational damage will be mitigated. Partner with PR and legal counsel to ensure consistency and compliance.
- Data and Operational Recovery: Define the process for restoring data from backups, resuming casework, and validating systems before returning to full operations. Identify any client-specific obligations, such as re-certification of secure environments.
Go Beyond the Binder: Test, Review, Refine.
A plan on paper is only the beginning. To be effective, it must be tested under realistic conditions. Tabletop exercises, breach simulations, and red team engagements are essential to uncover blind spots and improve team coordination. These rehearsals should involve not only IT and security staff, but also partners, legal operations, HR, and communications teams.
Firms can leverage risk modelling and simulation platforms to assess potential business impact in advance. Solutions like Black Kite enable legal organisations to simulate vendor compromise scenarios or ransomware infections, quantifying financial and operational risk before an actual event occurs.
Empower Every Department.
An often-overlooked element of IR planning is the role of non-technical teams. Finance, marketing, compliance, and practice group leaders should all know what’s expected of them during a cyber incident. Clarity reduces panic and empowers faster decision-making when it matters most.
Defending Against Legal Industry Cyber Attacks.
Legal industry cyber attacks are evolving faster than ever. Where client expectations around confidentiality and compliance are rising, the legal sector can no longer treat cyber security as an IT function. It’s a strategic imperative that directly affects a firm’s ability to win work, retain trust, and maintain operational continuity.
Success lies in taking a holistic approach, combining governance, technology, staff awareness, and vendor oversight to build a security posture that is both robust and adaptable.
At Secon, we help UK law firms stay ahead of the threat curve. Whether you’re improving your risk assessments, modernising endpoint protection, or embedding a culture of readiness, we bring the clarity, tools, and support needed to move decisively and confidently. Because in today’s landscape, cyber resilience isn’t just protection, it’s progress. Get in touch with our team to learn more.